An NIU assistant French professor recently received a certificate of appreciation from the State Board of Education.

D. Raymond Tourville was awarded the certificate for his contributions in the development of foreign language and international studies programs.

Tourville, who is the first president of the Illinois Foreign Language Leadership Council, worked in cooperation with the council to plan the conference.

is work in helping create the council, as well as his work with teachers at kindergarten through high school levels, has earned him the award.

Tourville’s efforts in the development of a teacher testing program also were recognized.

As 1988 chairman of the advisory committee for certification of Illinois French teachers, Tourville helped advise the content of the qualifying teaching tests.

Tourville said, “Secondary school teachers who want to teach will have to test to certify in general and specific subject categories.”

The tests are being prepared by specialists who set goals and limits, Tourville said. There are 55 exams throughout general and specific subject areas.

Marilyn Skinner, NIU chairwoman of foreign languages and literature, credits Tourville with aiding in the future of foreign language.

She said the award is a “testimonial to Professor Tourville’s dedicated service to the educational community.”

One of Tourville’s contributions to NIU has been the foreign language residence program he helped develop in 1972 and currently coordinates.

“Special option floors are available for students who want a living-learning experience,” Tourville said.

Douglas B-2 and B-3 are language floors in which students speak only French, Spanish or German, he said.

“Students are interviewed the semester before. When they’re accepted, they sign a pledge,” said Tourville.

The pledge includes eating only at a “language table” Monday through Thursday, attending a language night once a week and using the language exclusively in dorm rooms and with the other program participants, Tourville said.

Edith Ceisel, an accounting and German business transaction major, said she enjoys the family-like atmosphere of the program.

“Since we eat together and we’re put together with our roommates, we get to know each other well,” said Ceisel.

Ceisel, who had 5 years of high school German, said the students benefit from the program because they constantly use the language.

She said the program is not for everyone, but for students seriously considering continuing language studies. “Whatever you put into the program, you get out of it.”

Tourville’s credentials include past president and current treasurer of the American Association of Teachers of French for the Chicago/Northern Illinois area. He also acts as vice president of the Illinois Foreign Language Teachers Association.

Tourville received a degree from Assumption College, Worchester, Mass. and a master’s degree from Laval University, Quebec City, Canada.

e attended the NDEA Foreign Language Institute, Rosary College in River Forest, Ill.

Tourville has done graduate work at the University of Strasbourg, the University of Paris and the University of Colorado at Boulder.